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Stormers to give Juries a run?

Stephen Nell

Cape Town – Will Fabian Juries be a shock inclusion in the Stormers line-up for Friday’s final tour match against the Reds in Brisbane?

Juries is the only player in the Stormers touring squad who has not yet played in a game on their trip Down Under, but can be a potential ace against Australia’s leading Super 14 outfit.

The Reds demonstrated their quality on Saturday by beating the Bulls 19-12 in Brisbane and are fourth on the log – one position behind the Stormers.

“It’s going to be a big challenge. The Reds have the ability to score tries, but are also a good defensive side,” said Stormers coach Allister Coetzee.

Any player that was part of a 49-15 thrashing of the Chiefs in Hamilton will probably feel he deserves to retain his place, but Sireli Naqelevuki’s struggles against the Western Force earlier on tour may just be an indication that Coetzee should consider a change.

The Force placed the ball behind Naqelevuki with smart tactical kicks and he struggled to cope.

Naqelevuki has produced a number of strong performances this year, but interestingly they have been against New Zealand sides. The Hurricanes, Blues and Chiefs play to their own strengths – sharp attacking play and physical abrasiveness – rather than adapt their tactics significantly for each opponent.

Australian teams are more tactical in their approach and look to exploit the weaknesses of opponents or play away from their strengths.

The Reds, for example, pressurised the Bulls with good continuity and attacking play. They also placed a big emphasis on ball retention.

“We did not kick much and kept the ball away from the Bulls and their lineout. The tactic was rewarded late in the game when they tired,” Reds coach Ewen McKenzie told the Brisbane Courier Mail after the game.

“The team is young and therefore receptive to new ideas. We have to think creatively and the players deserve credit for listening and implementing the plan.”

McKenzie’s innovative approach, together with a halfback pairing of Will Genia and Quade Cooper, make the Reds very smart opponents.

They would certainly have taken note of how the Force put the ball behind Naqelevuki some weeks ago.

Juries has experience of playing fullback and can be a safer option on the wing than Naqelevuki against the Reds. He will also make the Stormers a more potent counter-attacking side and sharpen their tactical kicking.

The 31-year-old Sevens Springbok scored a brilliant try for the Free State Cheetahs in a Currie Cup match against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last year. He beat nine defenders on his way to the try-line.

If his potential inclusion sounds far-fetched, bear in mind that Coetzee is not shy to make big selection moves. Naqelevuki was dropped from the starting line-up for the game against the Cheetahs after a man-of-the-match performance against the Hurricanes.

Scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage suffered the same fate ahead of the match against the Force after being named man of the match for his performance against the Cheetahs.

The Stormers have had two good weeks in New Zealand, but with matches against the Crusaders, Sharks and Bulls waiting on their return, the pressure is still on to get something from the Reds game.

Coetzee will have to think outside the box as McKenzie certainly will.
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